The popularity of home security cameras is on the rise as everyone is concerned about the rising crime rate and is looking for ways to increase security levels around their home, neighborhood and business. Improvements in technology have made security cameras better and easier to install. You don't have to be a pro any more to install a home security camera.

The first thing is to determine your needs, such as how many cameras you will need, and if you require audio as well as video, color or black and white, wired or wireless. You also need to decide whether the camera will be outside, what the light source will be and whether there is a power source nearby. Also do you want to use your computer? New internet security cameras can be attached to your home PC and home network, so that you can view images from anywhere using an internet connection. The software required for this is usually included with the camera. While some cameras will record images, others are meant for long-term monitoring and may be attached to VCRs. Needless to say, if you are planning a VCR attachment, you need to ensure that the camera system is compatible with the recorder.

Once you have selected and purchased a camera that will suit your family's needs, you then need to install it.

Basically, home security cameras require little wiring but undoubtedly, every model will have a few variances during installation. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Basic Home Security Camera Installation Tips

The first thing you need to do is determine the area to be monitored. Following the instructions that come with the system, you then have to place the camera at an appropriate distance so that you can focus clearly on the desired area. The distance between the camera and a particular area will differ from camera to camera.

If the camera you have selected needs to be mounted on a wall or structure, you need to hold the mounting bracket to the surface in the correct position and mark the location of the mounting screws. It may be necessary to drill holes and then attach the camera to the wall and secure tightly.

In the case of using a wired security camera system, you will need to connect the camera and monitor according to the directions. You should try to expose as little of the wiring as possible in order to prevent vandalism of the system. You can then plug the monitor into a wall outlet, turn it on and adjust the picture for the best reception.

Some wireless systems may include portable cameras that can be moved about without permanently installing them. You need to ensure however that nothing between the camera and the monitor degrades the signal that is transmitted, such as cordless telephones, baby monitors or in some cases home computer networks.

Installing home security cameras can give you peace of mind as it enables you to monitor any movement around your house and property. Just seeing a security camera is often enough to make a burglar leave your house alone. Why should they break into a house where there is a security system when there are easier marks elsewhere?